DIAGNOSING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SADNESS AND DEPRESSION

We listen to celebrities on television tell us that “depression hurts.” We learn it is an illness, not just a passing moment or moments in our lifetime. Sadness, on the other hand, we all experience frequently; it is a human expression usually in response to a single event such as the loss of a person or a special possession, an injury, an insult, a pain, boredom or loneliness. It can be compared to a single punch, from which we heal. It comes and goes as we confront the issue of the moment.

Depression is a one-two punch that becomes a constant companion.

Depression is not quickly healed. A depressed feeling that lasts for more than two weeks is most likely an illness. When closely examined, it exhibits an array of symptoms. Once it settles in, pleas from family or friends to “snap out of it” do not work. The truly depressed person loses interest in his or her normal activities. We stop going to the gym, calling to chat with grandchildren and we miss regular meetings that we usually enjoy. There is a vast change in attitude, and a withdrawal from which there is no escape hatch.

Bereavement brings depression when the sadness continues for more than two months. Some of us are unable to function normally at the end of the initial mourning period and become preoccupied and lose interest in daily life.

Naturally, we grieve for a lost loved one, but when that loss becomes an obsession, it can lead to thoughts of worthlessness, an inability to go on or even suicide.

True depression also brings other symptoms, such as a change in weight, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue and loss of energy every day. For some, the ability to think clearly seems to evaporate.

Many of us have observed family or friends cope with unemployment, some without health insurance and others with a serious weight problem. It is no surprise that underneath the surface lies a great deal of anger, fear and even guilt: “it’s my own fault …” Certainly that kind of thinking paves a clear path to depression.

One in 10 Americans suffers from depression. A pill alone cannot always make it go away. It is accepted by professionals that talking therapy along with medication helps to conquer depression. Most health insurance plans cover a modest amount of counseling; most of our doctors will agree to make the referral.

There are things we can do for ourselves if we are at risk or feel ourselves on the brink of depression.

A psychologist in Seattle, Dr. Gregory Lantz, makes some interesting suggestions regarding self-help. We are in charge of our intellectual input. For example, when feeling sad or low or depressed, let’s read more positive books, those that have a positive message or provide a fun, interesting story. Concerning TV, are we stuck on a violence channel, negative programming? Let’s look for the more positive shows — old movies and musical comedy can serve as antidepressants.

We need to seek friends out who have a positive attitude, whose glasses are half-full and not half-empty. We all have friends who are really fun to be with. Let’s see that person at least once a week. Let that person know that we enjoy his or her presence in our day; everyone will feel good.

Physical activity is a great stimulus and supporter of good health, physically and emotionally. I have noted many times, a walk in the park gives me an outlet, allows me to scream my frustration when I am alone and make friends along the way when I am not. See the world through the eyes of the park and find the world smiling back.

For those of us who are involved in any way with church, mosque or synagogue, visit your house of worship or pick up the messages that work on TV. Homes of spirituality provide moments for reflection, meditation and if you will, prayer. They can help reignite our spirit. They also counteract the isolation that is tempting for the depressed; they provide community.

Depression is painful, but we can help ourselves with attitude adjustments. A pill is rarely the whole answer; we need to work to root out the reason we feel bad, find hope and change. Ask the doctor or spiritual adviser for a referral; call the Community Resource Center in Encinitas at (760) 753-8300 or call the county’s Access and Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240. Get help to make depression’s pain go away.

Agnes Herman is a freelance columnist. Contact her at (760) 744-6878 or aggherman@sbcglobal.net